We debated this in the shop today, we concluded e39 is better over all, while the e60 offers things the e39 doesn't it lost in two major areas...looks and feel (drive). At that point who cares what else the e60 offers. And btw we are slowly discovering the e60 has some major (auto) transmission flaws...they can cost anywhere from $1k+ for a simple gasket, fluid, seal etc to $4k+++ for a mechatronic (they LOVE to fail). BMW used a plastic tranny pan and plastic gears in almost assuring a leak or failure...its a head palm moment.

So end of day e39 still ruling the roast over all.

And before anyone mentions M5 etc or hp numbers, top speed or a slalom that wasnt the point entirely nor a trumping day to day factor.